Super frayed tailed feathers

[FunnyBunny89]

Just a thought. It does look like the ones that are frayed have longer tail feathers. Maybe see where they roost at night, and see if they are on that end. Other chickens could be picking at the feathers too on the roosts.

Okay, I'll check on them tonight!

 

[FunnyBunny89]

Just a thought. It does look like the ones that are frayed have longer tail feathers. Maybe see where they roost at night, and see if they are on that end. Other chickens could be picking at the feathers too on the roosts.

I think you might be right! Edna's tail feathers are fine today but she is clearly being pecked at, and probably on the roost. She slept in that tighter corner last night. Red also looks normal today, and Teddy, a different hen, is showing signs of being pecked at. I noticed tensions are a bit high right now, a couple girls got into a squabble yesterday. I wonder why... ah well, seems like a non-issue.

Since this is a recurring thing, I guess it means they're just getting at each other sometimes.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think you might be right! Edna's tail feathers are fine today but she is clearly being pecked at, and probably on the roost. She slept in that tighter corner last night. Red also looks normal today, and Teddy, a different hen, is showing signs of being pecked at. I noticed tensions are a bit high right now, a couple girls got into a squabble yesterday. I wonder why... ah well, seems like a non-issue.

Since this is a recurring thing, I guess it means they're just getting at each other sometimes.

This time of year hormones are surging and you can see more aggressive behaviors sometimes. All hens have the instinct that their eggs and offspring are most important and will want to be at the top of the pecking order so they get the best resources. Even if they never hatch or go broody they still behave as if they are going to.

Things tend to calm down a bit as the temps rise, and we get into summer, and the summer solstice comes closer.

My flock currently is more vigorous in their behavior, and are pecking and squabbling a bit more. Feathers also are becoming older and more prone to damage. I wouldn't worry unless you are seeing feather picking. Than I would make sure they are getting enough daily protein.

 

[FunnyBunny89]

This time of year hormones are surging and you can see more aggressive behaviors sometimes. All hens have the instinct that their eggs and offspring are most important and will want to be at the top of the pecking order so they get the best resources. Even if they never hatch or go broody they still behave as if they are going to.

Things tend to calm down a bit as the temps rise, and we get into summer, and the summer solstice comes closer.

My flock currently is more vigorous in their behavior, and are pecking and squabbling a bit more. Feathers also are becoming older and more prone to damage. I wouldn't worry unless you are seeing feather picking. Than I would make sure they are getting enough daily protein.

Thank you for sharing! This is my first year with chickens so I have much to learn it became a full year on Feb 25!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you for sharing! This is my first year with chickens so I have much to learn it became a full year on Feb 25!

Congratulations, and hoping for many more years for you in the hobby. It's always evolving, and always different. I enjoy that aspect of it.

 

[SamLockwood]

I've either seen it from contact with the nearing boxes, especially when they're broody, or some of them just don't groom themselves. I have one hen that looks great right after a molt but rarely grooms her tail feathers for some reason. By late summer she looks pretty ragged but she's otherwise fine.

 

[FunnyBunny89]

I've either seen it from contact with the nearing boxes, especially when they're broody, or some of them just don't groom themselves. I have one hen that looks great right after a molt but rarely grooms her tail feathers for some reason. By late summer she looks pretty ragged but she's otherwise fine.

That's relieving to hear. Thank you for sharing!